GFFA 2018 | High Level Panels

The GFFA 2018 once again included High Level Panels under the guidance of international organisations and institutions. The results of these meetings were incorporated into the subsequent Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference and the final communiqué.

Overview of High Level Panels at the GFFA 2018

Animal Health and Welfare: Two cornerstones for the future of globally diversified livestock production

In the current context of increased animal protein demand, a rise in ecological instability and globalised movements of people, animals and products, improving animal health and welfare worldwide has become a prerequisite to face challenges of the future in a safer way. Animal health and welfare should be two cornerstones of a global transition to sustainable, responsible and efficient livestock production models.

Hundreds of millions of people still depend on their livestock for income, directly linking animal production to their livelihood. However experts estimate that each year up to 20% production losses are attributed to animal diseases around the world. In addition, the society claims for a world where the welfare of animals is respected, promoted and advanced, in ways that meet the requirements of sustainability, climate stewardship and economic efficiency likewise.

The existence of animal health and welfare measures, transparency mechanisms and resilient animal health systems that allow development of countries, and prevention and control of animal diseases, is consequently more than ever essential to protect food safety and security, as well as human health, the economy and social well-being of populations.

FACILITATOR

Name

Function

Organisation

Dr. Monique Eloit

OIE Director General

World Organisation for Animal Health

PANELLISTS

Name

Function

Organisation

Country

Dr Vytenis Andriukaitis

Commissioner for Health and Food Safety

European Commission

Dr Javier Ernesto Suárez Hurtado

Executive Director General of the National Service for Agricultural Health and Food Safety

Ministry of Rural Development and Lands

Bolivia

Dr Christianne Bruschke

Chief Veterinary Officer

Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

The Netherlands

Mr Vladimir Olegovich Rakhmanin

Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia

Conclusions:
High Level Panel hosted by the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan
19 January 2018, City CUBE, Berlin

A High Level Ministerial Panel was organised by the European Commission at the invitation of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. The event, hosted by the by the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil HOGAN benefited from the participation of the Minister of Agriculture and Water Development, Zambia, Dora Siliya, Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, New Zealand, Damian O’ Connor, Director General of FAO, José Graziano da Silva and Jimmy Smith, Director General at ILRI, Nairobi, Kenia. Approximately 350 participants attended the event: politicians and researchers, agri-businesses and farmer’s organisations, international organisations and NGOs.

Broad areas of agreement:

Economic factor of animal production for rural regions. The livestock sector is highly dynamic and contributes 40% to the agricultural GDP in developed countries. Overall demand for all animal source foods in all regions of the world is rising, most likely faster than the grow of the world population.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Livestock contributes directly to eight SDGs No poverty (1), zero hunger (2), good health and well-being (3), gender equality (5), decent work and economic growth (8), responsible consumption and production (12), climate action (13) and life on land (15).

The future of livestock production has to integrate climate policy goals. The livestock sector is a key player for the reduction of the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture. More investments in research, innovation and in resource efficient smart technologies need to be done to reduce GHG emissions worldwide. Sustainable intensification will be an important factor to reduce GHG emissions per unit of animal product (or simpler: lt of milk or kg of meat). At the same time, animal production has to react to possible negative impacts by climate change.

Livestock guarantees high value animal protein from feedstuffs that are not usable for direct human consumption. Innovation in farm management and breeding are the basis continuing improvements in using feed resources efficiently. There is a need to encourage the implementation of modern, resource efficient animal husbandry systems that meets high animal welfare and environmental standards

Animal health risks require international cooperation in controlling diseases and ensuring trade in animals and animal products. Climatic variables like variations in temperature and rainfall are increasingly affecting the occurrence of infectious diseases. Antimicrobial Resistance is a challenge which needs global cooperation, commitment and action of the agricultural, veterinary and public health sector. Investment in prevention in many cases is cheaper than the financial damage caused by diseases.